MENGAPA KORUPSI MAKIN MERAJALELA?? - Prof. Dr. M. Syafii Antonio, M.Ec.

Summary

In this speech, the speaker addresses the ongoing issues of corruption and poverty in Indonesia, despite the country's religious practices like fasting and prayer. The speaker emphasizes that true fasting is not only about abstaining from food but about controlling desires and actions, drawing a parallel to the need for self-discipline in addressing corruption. Using religious teachings of accountability and integrity, the speaker calls on Indonesians to uphold righteousness and honor their responsibilities to the nation, stressing the importance of a collective effort to overcome corruption and achieve national prosperity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The persistent corruption in Indonesia is linked to a lack of accountability and self-discipline, even after numerous religious observances like fasting and prayers.
• 😀 Despite official reports claiming poverty has decreased, real poverty in Indonesia is much higher when using international standards, with nearly 40% of the population being poor or at risk of poverty.
• 😀 Corruption in Indonesia exists at three levels: petty theft, embezzlement within public funds, and large-scale manipulation of policies by those in power.
• 😀 The essence of fasting during Ramadan is not just abstaining from food and drink, but also from immoral actions and words that harm others, including corruption.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the example of fasting as a metaphor for self-control, emphasizing the need to extend this discipline beyond Ramadan to everyday life.
• 😀 By practicing true self-control and integrity, Indonesia could see significant improvements in its economy, governance, and social justice.
• 😀 Fasting serves as a reminder that humans can control their desires and actions when they have the right spiritual motivation, such as fear of God.
• 😀 The speaker stresses that if everyone truly felt the presence of God in their actions (as they do when fasting), corruption would diminish, and public institutions would be more honest.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of fasting is to foster 'taqwa' (piety or fear of God), which is essential for moral behavior and good governance.
• 😀 A call is made for a collective return to the spirit of Ramadan, focusing on accountability, ethical behavior, and a commitment to the well-being of the nation and its people.

Q & A

Why is corruption still high in Indonesia despite religious practices like fasting and prayers?

Corruption remains high in Indonesia due to a lack of serious commitment to national development. Many officials, at all levels, focus on personal gain, often through corruption, even in projects intended for public benefit.

What is the official poverty rate in Indonesia, and how does it differ from the actual poverty rate?

The official poverty rate, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), is 5 million people. However, using the World Bank standard, the poverty rate is much higher at 115 million, almost 40% of the population, indicating a significant discrepancy.

What are the three levels of corruption described in the script?

The three levels of corruption are: 'corruption class tri', involving petty theft; 'corruption level tongkol', where funds from the national budget are misappropriated through kickbacks; and 'corruption level kakap', involving the manipulation of policies and regulations for personal gain.

What does fasting during Ramadan represent according to the script?

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about controlling words and actions. It teaches self-restraint and aims to foster a deeper awareness of moral responsibility and spiritual discipline.

How does corruption impact the country and its people?

Corruption harms the nation by misappropriating public funds, damaging infrastructure, harming education, and destroying the environment. It also negatively affects families and ruins the nation's future.

What is the deeper purpose of fasting according to the speaker?

The deeper purpose of fasting is to develop self-discipline, to refrain not just from food, but from harmful actions and thoughts, leading to a state of taqwa (God-consciousness), which is the ultimate goal of fasting.

Why is it significant to control oneself from halal (permissible) things during fasting?

By refraining from halal things during fasting, individuals learn to control their desires and develop the ability to abstain from haram (forbidden) actions in daily life, contributing to better moral and ethical behavior after Ramadan.

How is fasting used as a metaphor for moral conduct in society?

Fasting serves as a metaphor for moral conduct, showing that just as one refrains from permissible things during Ramadan, society should similarly refrain from immoral and corrupt actions, even when no one is watching.

What is the role of faith in resisting temptations and corruption, as explained in the script?

Faith plays a crucial role in resisting temptations, as it provides the strength to refrain from unethical actions, even when no one else is observing. The belief that Allah is watching helps maintain integrity in both personal and public spheres.

What does the speaker suggest would happen if the spirit of fasting was present in Indonesian institutions?

If the spirit of fasting, which emphasizes self-restraint and accountability, were present in Indonesian institutions like the tax office, police, and parliament, corruption and unethical behavior would diminish significantly, leading to a more just and prosperous society.